HackerPapers

arXiv:math/9903160math.LO

The surprise examination or unexpected hanging paradox

Timothy Y. Chow

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

The apparently trifling unexpected hanging paradox has generated an enormous philosophical literature. We introduce the mathematician to this literature, paying special attention to aspects that involve nontrivial mathematics. This xxx version of the paper contains an exhaustive bibliography that the editors of the Monthly deemed too lengthy to publish. The bibliography will be continually updated and readers are encouraged to inform the author of any omissions that they discover.

arXiv comments
Exhaustive bibliography updated 6/25/11 with dozens of new references
Journal reference
Amer. Math. Monthly 105 (1998) 41-51
DOI
Subjects
math.LOLogic math.HOHistory and Overview

On Hacker News

Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Apr 2025 to Apr 2025.

Comments linking this paper, per year.

Discussed in comments1 thread

  1. Surprises in Logic (2016) 1 comment

    • I would encourage anyone who's intrigued by this paradox to read Timothy Chow's comprehensive paper on the subject (https://arxiv.org/abs/math/9903160). In particular, he discusses what he calls the meta-paradox: > The meta-paradox consists of two seemingly incompatible facts.…

      robinhoustonView on HNParent context

Submitted to Hacker News

Connected through shared HN threads, not inferred similarity or a recommendation.